If you’ve got a spare weekend and want to do something to improve your home, take a few seconds to read the advice that follows. While not everyone can do it themselves, even those who are hiring a professional, will benefit from understanding a few of basics of home improvement.
One way to lower your electric bill is to install a motion sensor on your outdoor lights. This way, the bright spotlights only come on when someone is outside and needs the light and then, turn off when not needed, saving on energy. Also, motion-detector outdoor lights can act as a deterrent against theft.
To repair a larger hole in your walls, use sheet rock. First make the hole into a uniform square or rectangle by cutting away a measured area. Doing this will make the hole bigger, but will allow you to get exact dimensions for repair. Then cut a piece of sheet rock that is the same size as the square or rectangle you just cut from the wall. Place the newly cut piece of sheet rock in the hole and secure in place with drywall nails. Then apply joint compound to the seams. Cover the seams with joint tape, then apply another layer of joint compound and smooth it out. When dry, paint over it with any color.
If you have any doors that squeak upon open or closing, try using a little lubricant. Apply a small amount of commercial lubricant to the door hinge and open and close the door to allow it to enter the crevices. You can also try this with cooking oil, though the results may not last as long as a commercially available lubricant.
To see a return on your home improvement project, consider converting existing space into a new living environment for your family. Making an attic into a bedroom or finishing off your basement will earn you extra money when reselling your home because you are utilizing something that is already available to create a desirable feature.
Don’t forget about the area outside your house. Use your backyard for seasonal outdoor living space. It is the ideal place to relax or entertain guests at a barbeque.
Baby food jars can come in handy as small organizing tools. Screw lids to the shelf. Use the jars to store small items like screws or beads. Then, you can just twist the glass portion back up underneath the shelf. This is a great way to maximize shelving and spare jars.
Create a catching focal point in your living room or hallway by hanging a collection of mismatched silver serving trays. They not only add an interesting extra to your home, but they are mighty fun to collect. Go to flea markets, antique stores or second hand shops, to find the most interesting trays you can display.
Now that you have a basic understanding of home improvement, in general and the types of projects you should be looking into, you can see how it has the potential to benefit the quality of your home, as well as, your bottom line. You’re ready to get out there and tackle the weekend.